Beneficial Suggestions for Maintaining a Commercial Freezer

Your commercial freezer is likely one of your biggest investments, so protect that investment by keeping your commercial freezer up-to-date on maintenance. Commercial freezers do require a bit of maintenance from time to time in order to keep the unit functioning for years to come. Don’t let minor issues become major issues. Follow these great tips to save your commercial freezer and your wallet from costly repairs.

Clean to Keep Costs Down

Perhaps the best way to keep your commercial freezer operating efficiently is to keep it clean on the inside and on the outside. At least once per week, thoroughly clean the inside. Remove all the items and wipe down the inside with warm water, soap and vinegar solution to clean and deodorize. Remove drawers or shelves that need to soak and if something needs to be scrubbed, use a soft brush.

Many owners fail to clean the exterior of the freezer, but that is just as important. Be sure to use an appropriate stainless steel cleaner and avoid abrasive scrubbing tools and sponges, and don’t use bleach. Warm water and soap are the best. If you need to degrease, consider a grease-busting mild soap, baking soda solution or stainless steel degreaser.

Included in that cleaning should be regular cleaning of the condenser coil, which most manufacturers advise to clean every three months at a minimum. Your owner’s manual should provide step-by-step cleaning instructions. Dust and grime can easily accumulate on the coil and cause the temperature of the coil and other components to rise. If this happens, parts may fail due to the excess heat. A bristle brush will usually remove dirt and you can even vacuum or blow air over the coil to remove any remaining dirt and debris.

Make sure you routinely clean the drain pan and any attached tubing. Slime and sludge easily build-up, particularly in the tubing, and your unit might freeze up on you. If the drain pan ever overflows, that is a sign of buildup. At least once a month, use a warm water/vinegar/soap solution to clean out the pan, and check the tubing every couple of months to make sure there are no clogs. You’ll keep your kitchen safe from leaks and smelling nice, too.

Dry and Deodorized

A liquid can easily accumulate on shelves and in drawers so make sure you keep the inside of the unit dry. Excess moisture causes the unit to freeze up, so be sure to immediately wipe up spills and check for moisture buildup at least weekly.

Foods should always be covered, but in particular, make sure that acidic foods like pickles, tomatoes and citrus are covered to cut down on corrosion. Uncovered, these foods release acids which over time can prove corrosive to the interior of the unit. Freezer bags and containers with lids do the trick.

You should perform routine checks of the unit’s evaporator coil, gaskets and air filters. The evaporator coil removes excess heat and helps the unit cool, so make sure it is working properly. The area around the coil needs to be clean and clear.

Door gaskets need to properly seal, so check to see if cracks or tears in the gasket are keeping the doors from sealing shut. Make sure the gaskets are clean because dirt build-up can cause them to prematurely wear, and replace any broken gaskets according to your owner’s manual.

Air filters also need to be cleaned and checked frequently. In many kitchens, grease from fryers and cooking can clog the air filters. Check that they have proper ventilation. Most air filters are easily vacuumed or cleaned with a degreaser. Be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.

At Texas Restaurant Supply, we’ve seen too many customers come in to buy a commercial freezer because their unit has suddenly stopped working. Follow our maintenance tips to prolong the life of your freezer.